The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv6HG0AbKX
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The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqAGPeqSgy
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"Kid! Over here!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxxOhxB6k3
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A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Aby2QwEZO
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"Ya ready!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv08G7Ms5DV
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGplAIk14z
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We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmQOdsNV7y
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVwcbKtV3W
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh3zdSb0ZI
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgsmd8GbjZ
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"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QWTe16luM
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YEAH!264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFNPXckShZ
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I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZAWhkC7eP
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"Ack!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhB4aElfJn
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQITIPIOsQy
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"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZTGOf21z7
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCviOfMzra
"R-Right!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWevKCjgEI
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I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMiHmbH8pW
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5YhnTlMz4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWS8OC8VDJ
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KtcYIQyKG
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"Crap!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o22QTUsDR
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I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUy8A4MIVn
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbruLXHM3Aw
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz28iM0oI2
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That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TjXxPJgnR
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NPwzsSisf
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rxWRP96zp
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"L-Lola!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tXBIdkEtN
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXV59509TO
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmCskpeApM
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftaaGvIAnu
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And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK3Asc8l5V
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"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuGscy57q3
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScQH0HsH3P
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuklqdqOznI
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Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNdVFTnAFS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSByIUIRJA
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8pPiT1HVL
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–
–
–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLWE8AXCiO
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Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmmKjiaKrJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9N8Xd9YPu
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAoUj8JkSL
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ43EoAC7rb
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She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWpaUmmGly
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"Do you have something you want to say?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17JBpYfDcF
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03aEhwnSvo
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FHEu1IFA8
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fmdfdXWUr
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowjCWWuG9B
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh5VcdEuAn
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The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K23ApZmlS
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt93aAt1rU
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KYexM8MKp
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLEUvJNBER
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"Call me Anima."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RoyLMZIbN
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Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4GV0VfR5N
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The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutGiw8DgC0
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo7Y8C90DF
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She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4fHXjEvAM
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"Ngh!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah9JdY43EI
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It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTqUyVVLxK
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**THUD**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK20stWLufp
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She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKLbAhBrLZ
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She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdE1rf3kpY
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"--!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnNs8aH8UB
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Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtJw7kWoMT
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIboB80vKV
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As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc5dCwglbA
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxBWPSxcGW
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWExSfKYet
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She had hit a wall.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwngyc8Dgit
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"--!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY11nEg7Yk
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If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXSJS17tHP
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**CLING**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1IwLB1hBB
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She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrObr3XoPC
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"Huh. I can't break free."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcyLblR6hh
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The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LMOSUSAxi
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"--Huh?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezfb3eS7IR
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"Caught you!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUGHRCYNmH
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She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtwaePJmep
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"You!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYHgfVZSJl
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Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyC6V4Ft0Y
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It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eo2jkxe78
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHRiJ6MzHQ
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3YIjekRKF
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"Hrk!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpoIdJ8gbK
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She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBWmE6uKqA
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The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRHkz4VOTq
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By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMZB7HYUW9
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vtbx5Ml1Q
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahIcqCNkxq
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFV67jKOiY
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS1tPkSLoU
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Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPKmupHj4r
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A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsUeSMguID
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2sLM7K2CL
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"...This is irritating."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpkz0UDkNL
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqbNQL70kY
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCjLS3kbCE
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZxdbvdFPN
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZZuYPRFdc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM02k1grV8
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN3dX2deNF
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Giving up became more and more alluring.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv6P2uTlDf
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"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTLknKKks4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m8yTYSJOa
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjFcNNXOft
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0IaKDTFt4
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLg7h1wDpE
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kg09xF0vP
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jYFTKTpPk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0bfwTX8fa
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWxUYPA8jK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMt1bXnWCk
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhFObC8BJj
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"...Unless, of course."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nlIv0KKIb
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmmrS1drb4
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccczIzNBli
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoU1Fqrk6J
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WyoFXKg3C
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPQ5XNTQxZ
"I don't like what you're planning!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZsKjzFaNw
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqT68OVnnl
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKVRs5R6Lk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYKFMsT8aG
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2sC4HPDBI
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrh5CxOTeU
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kh90lpIBz
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi5lZGUlyZ
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b9XtdzxSj
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WQwuikIce
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvXODKOync
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DUDjDgv8N
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGtKVAXs7v
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZi70yq8wI
**THUD**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQkHU7XZ3u
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But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l56naerRo
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTQShtNxKW
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAVFjWFtqy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYbhZALBWe
"--Hrk!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhGjLattxV
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl5DIftjI3
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwswCU7y9L3
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ6OsWvXiN
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLUIpz3CrJ
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBjCljpnOg
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6opn22jXy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTjDlHbWcO
"This..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQBsrrY4g9
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04tyGkWVGr
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsQHfjs7if
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXowIcRDdz
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU0JgjCUtK
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3o5KWvriw
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xwWh6689n
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncKI9yvcaz
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12MNCLg96v
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAXsVSRoM0
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU8ILoNQ0p
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc9vdko13R
"--sneaky!"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dCrW31try
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUHLlafEVO
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsADmEULuX
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uo9wkDMDd
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxw13bxlIc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdloP53SfU
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJMXRGCIDO
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY38KBnEjPd
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6qHi6r72A
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg8OXvTcKl
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7dZvgZRMb
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw862WAeBF
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLrn1mXJf4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVGFsdgIQa
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHGVvLwbg4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq92wTLAdh4
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlK3kFn3Ft
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktBpm4xfMQ
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYMIjCywnk
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavHy2TloG1
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwCovMiEhi
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3lQJbDdMT
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mt4LULm5B
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7rKq7Zx1I
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWxDZL1EQy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EhGH01fDH
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutqu8gWy46
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"I win, though–"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP4SAIqJ0U
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLECxPeUOQi
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH6tNYtfRn
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90ZGqKyKTl
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgieHO6NJN7
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0nrl3W6Me
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT5x7lELTB
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI8Aqn7p9V
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS22nmoG264
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfNCSt2aTv
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaZu9W6iZc
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB0NPSFAQM
"Can't move your legs?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBnys5kbgs
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJDcR4AlzT
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMlM5SBGRy
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtGQkgOQSO
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmuMoTIbkt
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGY9iauA2k
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7dmq7pLsh
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsNvrC917U
"Aren't you going to do something?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xrFK72Fdu
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT0XxEMpEx
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzwKuyAnVb
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrQR8FW5ds
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQBQ7iwSxp
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqJYc2mNfl
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalcbDcmY4r
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbDXjkrfRm
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0jcKshaT8
Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1PgvIuzy0
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmaNvy1PVc
**BOOM**264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH3JkPIq4r
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH3q9HEgIP
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBmGicmEr6
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3uEQNa0Xm
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9RMqDz9Ku
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLIWkn0AQ7
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVOsL8fwQ4
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIXLLP2HO9
"--?"264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4cox2pWgr
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUXVVQrNuB
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuYQKcq3fg
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6Bt88pKlt
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih2bDuL7Vo
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6oeybvxqf
"...Ehh."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzEjdBUrN
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWhU87XCkT
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROUtCHkRG8
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gTTkgXPNl
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s4qvzfKV2
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERwYpWdGSE
"..."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMJZ16UPmO
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrR67JhJre
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3JF8LmeJh
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7ke051PNS
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7pbLyWZqh
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqdBdUYnbB
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedyFyanPXR
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
264Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPGYgJ4d9N
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